As is the case during most international breaks, a host of Manchester City stars have jetted off across the globe this week to represent their nations. 13 members of Pep Guardiola's first-team squad have been handed international call-ups, although only two were in action on Thursday night.
Bernardo Silva and Zack Steffen both played the full 90 minutes of crucial World Cup qualifiers for Portugal and the USA respectively, and both impressed. Here's how they got on.
Bernardo Silva
Bernardo was arguably the best player on the pitch during Portugal's 3-1 win against Turkey in the first round of European play-offs for the 2022 World Cup. The result sets up a final play-off match against North Macedonia on Tuesday for a spot in Qatar, after the eastern European side recorded a shock 1-0 win against Italy.
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As is the case when he plays for City, Bernardo was everywhere on the pitch at the Estadio do Dragao. Playing on the left side of a midfield three he contributed just as much in defence as he did in attack, his work-rate helping to knit together a side that at Euro 2020 often looked disjointed.
He played a huge role in Portugal's opening goal, his strike from the edge of the area hitting the post and falling kindly for Otavio to tap home. In the second half he drew a smart save from Uğurcan Çakır as Portugal looked for a third, but in the end he was unable to find the back of the net.
Turkey almost pulled off an unlikely comeback after pulling a goal back, but Burak Yilmaz blazed his 80th-minute penalty over the crossbar. Matheus Nunes wrapped up the win in injury time.
Joao Cancelo didn't feature due to suspension, but he will be available for the crucial play-off final on Tuesday.
Zack Steffen
City's American goalkeeper came in for some criticism for his performance against Southampton in the FA Cup last weekend, but for the US he showed just why he is so highly rated by the Blues.
Steffen made a couple of decent saves at St Mary's, but his role in the host's goal and some shaky moments on the ball failed to inspire total confidence. However, against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, he pulled off a stunning fingertip save late in the second half to remind everyone of his abilities.
The US drew 0-0 with their fierce rivals and missed the chance to all but mathematically secure their spot at the World Cup. Both they and Mexico, second and third in the CONCACAF qualifying standings, hold a three-point advantage over fourth-place Costa Rica with two games to go. With a home game against Panama coming up on Monday, Steffen can help his side wrap up qualification.
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